Fashion is more than just clothing. It is a form of expression, a means of showcasing cultural identity, and a way to celebrate heritage. At Lokal Ayiti, we believe in the power of fashion to bring people together, and we are proud to support and promote Haitian culture by incorporating traditional vèvè symbols into our fashion line.
The Heart of Haiti: Myrlene Simeon’s Passionate Connection
Myrlene Simeon, a travel agent turned entrepreneur, has a deep and personal connection with Haiti, her homeland. After facing chaos and destruction in her beauty supply store, Simeon channeled her passion for her country and its unique crafts into the creation of LOKAL, an e-commerce platform promoting the talents and creations of Haitian artisans.
With the launch of the Revelation Collection, LOKAL evolved into LokalAyiti, offering textiles imprinted with Vèvès, the symbols of Haitian Voodoo. Simeon’s designs not only showcase the beauty of Haitian culture, but also embody a message of spiritual connection and empowerment.
Despite challenges, including a medical condition that once threatened her ability to create, Simeon persevered, driven by her love and passion for her craft. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Join Simeon on her journey as she celebrates the heart and soul of Haiti through her beautiful and meaningful artwork.
The Beauty of Vèvè Symbols
Vèvè symbols have been used for centuries in Haiti to represent different spirits, gods, and concepts. These symbols play a crucial role in Haitian Vodou, serving as a way to connect with the divine and to create a sense of community.
In Haiti, vèvè symbols can be found everywhere, from the walls of homes and temples to the clothing worn by practitioners. An official religion over there, Vodou is practiced by about 60 million individuals in the world.
At Lokal Ayiti, we celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of vèvè symbols by incorporating them into our fashion line. Each symbol is carefully selected and printed onto our garments, ensuring that the intricate details of the design are preserved. Our goal is to celebrate Haitian culture and heritage by making these symbols accessible to a wider audience.
The Quality of Our Fabrics
At Lokal Ayiti, we believe that fashion should not only be beautiful, but also durable and long-lasting. That’s why we use only the finest quality fabrics in our garments. Whether it’s organic cotton or sustainable materials, we are committed to ensuring that our clothing is not only stylish, but also environmentally responsible.
In addition to being eco-friendly, our fabrics are also soft, comfortable, and easy to care for. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, so you can enjoy your Lokal Ayiti garments for years to come.
A Pioneering Idea
Lokal Ayiti brings something new to the fashion world, with its innovative concept of combining fashion with cultural identity. No other fashion brand has ever celebrated a cultural heritage in this way, by incorporating traditional vèvè symbols into their fabrics.
Not only does this approach celebrate Haitian heritage, it also promotes it to the world, making a statement about the importance of cultural identity. In a world where homogenization is often the norm, Lokal Ayiti offers a refreshing change, with each garment bearing its own unique symbol that tells a story.
But our unique approach goes beyond just using cultural symbols. Our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness sets us apart from other fashion brands, showing that style and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Our garments are not only beautiful, but also made with materials that are kind to the planet.
10 Fermathe 55
Port au Prince, Haiti